Stevie Wonder Serenades Patti LaBelle on Her 76th Birthday in a Sweet Video

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Patti LaBelle delighted in Stevie Wonder's surprise birthday serenade in a clip she shared. Stevie delivered his soulful rendition of the birthday song.

Patti LaBelle got the sweetest birthday call from her good friend, Stevie Wonder. The legendary singer serenaded her with the birthday song to her heart’s delight.

Patti LaBelle performing at the 2017 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. | Photo: Getty Images

The newly-turned 76-year-old songstress shared a clip of her melodic encounter with Stevie who appeared on her cellphone in a small box at the corner of her screen. He sang his soulful version of “Happy Birthday” to Patti who was evidently touched by the thoughtful gesture.

“Thank you to my brother Stevie Wonder and his beautiful family for calling to wish me a happy birthday today! I love you Stevie!” the soul queen wrote to caption the video. She also thanked her friend Patty Jackson for assisting with the surprise.

Stevie and Patti are contemporaries in the music industry and have collaborated on countless occasions. One of their most memorable performances was in 2015 when they hit the stage at the Soul Train 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame ceremony alongside the late Bill Withers and BeBe Winans.

Following Bill’s death, Patti expressed her grief in an email to Billboard. She described him as “a musical genius and trailblazer who has inspired so many.”

Stevie Wonder at the "Stevie Wonder's HEAVEN" event presented by The Art of Elysium in January 2017. | Photo: Getty Images

The foursome sang Bill’s’ hit, “Lean on Me,” the same song Stevie sang when he paid tribute to the late singer following his passing in April. He performed it during the “One World: Together At Home” COVID-19 benefit concert where he gave credit to Bill for the song and it's aptness to the times.

“During hardships like this, we have to lean on each other. My friend, the late Bill Withers, has the perfect song about that and I want us to remember him tonight.”

Following Bill’s death, Patti expressed her grief in an email to Billboard. She described him as “a musical genius and trailblazer who has inspired so many.” She added,

"I know his spirit lives on through his beautiful music!"

Bill, who’s also famous for his hits, “Lovely Day,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Just The Two of Us” died on April 2 at the age of 81. His family cited heart and lung complications as the cause. He was survived by his wife, Marcia, and their two children and a legacy of unparalleled timeless hits.

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